Chicago Blackhawks vs Florida Panthers Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 10/07/25

The 2025-26 NHL season is finally upon us, and it all begins with a battle between the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers. The Panthers start the season by raising the Stanley Cup banner and look to start their run to become the first team to 3-peat since the 1980s. To get you set for the first regular-season game of the NHL season, here is my Blackhawks vs Panthers prediction.

It may come as little surprise to most that the Panthers are major favorites in this matchup. However, I am not counting out the Blackhawks. This is a young and exciting team with a lot of players who are looking to make their mark in the league. Who better to do it against than the best team in the NHL over the past 2 seasons? Florida has also played a ton of hockey over the past 3 seasons, as it has gone to each of the past 3 Stanley Cup Finals. That can make for short summers, meaning less rest and recovery. We have seen teams that play a deep season do poorly to start the next one. Plus, the Panthers are out arguably their 2 best players in Alex Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk to long-term injuries. This is a great opportunity for Chicago; if it can’t win outright, I expect it to keep the game close.

Blackhawks vs Panthers prediction: Chicago +1.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to -125.

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